Korean Job Discussion Forums

[vincentsaid]

I'm thinking of taking the risk and asking for a housing allowance to find my own apartment. I know it can be challenging with key money and stuff, but I'm willing to try and work that out.

My question is: What are the legal documents required for renting an apartment? Also, can I have another person -- or guests from the states stay with me without them being on my lease? How do Korean land lords respond to that?

Thank you ... anyone, everyone.

[b0101]

Documents - I think for me they just needed my alien card.

Korean landlords don't care about who's staying there. Rent is the same regardless of the number of people.

[ttompatz]

[teacherinseoul]

You just need a passport and money. Unless your realtor speaks excellent English, then you'll probably need to sign a Korean contract.

I agree that it's not a good idea to get an apartment if you're just starting out in Korea. If you've been here a year or longer, then that's a different ballgame.

[vincentsaid]

The problem is that I have someone coming over with me and staying in Korea for a couple months. I want them to be able to fit in the apartment with me. Any ideas for how to remedy that? I'd be willing to pay more to a school to have a place big enough for two people to sleep.

[hapigokelli]

So, you're living in an apartment that school has already rented for you?

If so, if you decide that you want to move out, the school has to break their current apartment contract. When you break a housing contract in Korea you have to pay a penalty which can be VERY expensive. I doubt that your school is going to be willing to do that unless you pay the penalty.

I rented an apartment this year and would only recommend it if you can find a good, English speaking Realtor to help you with the negotiating and contracts. It's would have been virtually impossible for me without my realtor's help.

[Kissmykimchi]

Hopefully this will help you out!

http://kissmykimchi.com/2009/10/finding-an-apartment-in-south-korea.html

Finding my own place here was the best thing I did! You can find something that you truly can feel at home in.

[machoman]

i found my own place after my contract ended. the only docs i needed were my ARC card. i paid 2 million won as key deposit, the landlord likes having teachers in his apartment bc they pay on time.

it can be a pain in the ass like someone said before to cancel on the contract midway through.